Now that the cold weather is well and truly upon us, keep yourself and family safe this winter. When lighting your open fire, gas fire or log burner this year, think, when was the last time you got your chimney swept? It is important to ensure that your chimney is swept ready for the winter, and that all flues are unblocked. This regular maintenance eliminates the build-up of soot from coal, wood, oil and gas fire systems. This not only protects you from potential chimney fires, but also from harmful fume emissions such as Carbon Monoxide entering your house as apposed to being emitted from your chimney into the atmosphere where it disperses.

Here are 10 vital facts you need to know about Carbon Monoxide (CO):

- CO is less dense than air

- 50% of CO incidents happen in homes

- CO is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it has no taste, no smell and you can’t see it

- The symptoms of CO poisoning are; headaches, dizziness, irritability, confusion/memory loss, disorientation, nausea and vomiting, difficulty in coordinating and breathing and chest pain

- CO leaves the body quickly – so taking immediate action such as turning off appliances, opening windows and leaving the area in the case of a suspected leak could save your life

- CO is the most common type of indoor air poisoning in countries where they still rely on fires to heat homes and cook food

- Every year there are around 25 deaths from accidental CO poisoning

- CO can be produced in any fuel-burning appliance that is not properly maintained (e.g. cookers, heaters, gas tumble dryers, hot-water heaters and fireplaces)

- Survivors of CO poisoning can be left with chronic after-effects such as brain damage for the rest of their lives

- CO is the cause of death for 90% of fire victims

Ensure you are protected this year and every year, by getting yearly servicing on your heating equipment in your homes, as well as regular sweeping of your chimneys and ensuring any flues aren’t blocked. It could save yours and your families lives. Likewise, this problem still occurs and is known to be more hazardous in mobile homes, boats and caravans, as the space in these areas are more confined, providing less space for the carbon monoxide to disperse. Be CO aware!

Fitted CO alarms are available at an affordable price, however if you are wanting to check the levels of CO in a potentially hazardous area and want piece of mind on a one off occasion you can hire a portable monitor, find out more here.